Has any of the other GTR regular noticed that until a few weeks ago, I don't think Powerbond was ever mentioned on this forum. Now, every person with under 50 posts is mentioning them...

IGF

Powerbond isn't a popular brand, as it's a small company and not as well known as Rainier or Berry's. I've used them in the past with good results.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boxerglocker

The PowerBond bullets look suspiciously like Rainier's to me... Even certain pictures on their website look like stock ones from the Rainier.

The Powerbond bullets have thicker plating than Rainier. They are not the same bullet.

Quote:

We have a couple guys sponsored by Rainier at our club. They have done tours of their facility in Tacoma numerous times. I'm going to ask if they have any knowledge of PowerBond.

They might be subcontracted to make bullets to Powerbond's spec but I'm not aware of such. AFAIK, Powerbond does everything in house. Would be interesting to find out.

Quote:

I'm personally not a big plated bullet fan. They are OK performance wise but I feel FMJs trump them on value/performance overall.

Plated bullets are favored in applications for sound suppressors. Cheaper than TMJ bullets and priced less. JHP plated bullets are typically priced the same as TMJ bullets, so there is no savings. If you have a suppressor that uses wipes, JHP is a no go. I only use plated bullets for customers using a suppressor or those that demand TMJ type bullets for indoor ranges to cut down on the airborne lead from exposed FMJ bases.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taterhead

I'm not a shill for PowerBond, but the problem is that they get lumped in with typical "plated" bullets due to their construction type. Aside from the way that they are constructed, they don't act at all like regular plated bullets from Berry's or Rainer.

I agree.

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Originally Posted by dougader

Speer bullets are plated as well...

A fact many ignore.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dougader

Does anyone know if the Power Bond hollow point bullets actually expand, or are they more like the Zero and Montana Gold that don't expand in gel or water testing?

I think the HP are like the MG bullets in that they are for external ballistics and not terminal ballistics.

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Last edited by freakshow10mm; 02-16-2013 at 22:46..
Reason: to correct quote tags

Receive an email with an order acknowledgement, and a second "thank you" from Matt McMichael.

When the card is charged and the order is shipped. It usually comes in a vacuum pack freeze bag stuffed inside a USPS "if it fits it ships" box with lots of shipping tape. Pretty low-budget packaging. They don't send a shipping notice.

Other than availability right now or perhaps if you want less than 1k - why would you buy these? Essentailly $0.106 per bullet including the $3 shipping for Powerbonds plated vs 0.085 for precisions fmj in terms of 115gr 9mm at least. Not a major cost difference but wondering why you'd pay more for Powerbond if availability were not an issue.

Other than availability right now or perhaps if you want less than 1k - why would you buy these? Essentailly $0.106 per bullet including the $3 shipping for Powerbonds plated vs 0.085 for precisions fmj in terms of 115gr 9mm at least. Not a major cost difference but wondering why you'd pay more for Powerbond if availability were not an issue.

You just listed the reasons why you would buy them: availability, quantity. Plus if you need a bullet without exposed lead, then these fit that bill. Until very recently, they weren't more expensive. That is a new development. Their prices just went up, and they now charge shipping. Who knows if they will come back down after things settle down.

I have taken advantage of a group buys at my club so costs are a ways better than PD. It doesn't take a very large order to get a pretty good discount. Granted, I don't know where he would be in today's high-demand environment.

[quote=Boxerglocker;19982818]The PowerBond bullets look suspiciously like Rainier's to me... Even certain pictures on their website look like stock ones from the Rainier. We have a couple guys sponsored by Rainier at our club. They have done tours of their facility in Tacoma numerous times. I'm going to ask if they have any knowledge of PowerBond.
I'm personally not a big plated bullet fan. They are OK performance wise but I feel FMJs trump them on value/performance overall. Plated bullets are way over priced IMO. I just plugged 1000 124 RNs at PowerBond it was $109 total. I paid $93 a K for 124 JHPs at Precision Delta delivered (2K) last month. I pay $29 for 500 BC 135 RN molys locally.
I do realize with the current state of the industry beggars can't be choosers, so paying a premium for a product that is in stock at this time is a must

Has any of the other GTR regular noticed that until a few weeks ago, I don't think Powerbond was ever mentioned on this forum. Now, every person with under 50 posts is mentioning them...

IGF

And at least one with a little higher post count - me!

I bought 1000 for either .40 or .45 (I forget which) but it may be a long while before I actually use them. I just took the opportunity to buy what I could get. Who knows how long this fiasco will last? Or what new laws California will enact.

I have used and have powerbond in 9mm and 45. Better than berries imo. Just got an order of 9mm 124 gr in about 2.5 weeks ago. The owner emailed me and told me what time they would be up on the website and I order 2k. look at the sight again about 2 hrs later gone.